Are garden log cabins waterproof is a question we got asked all the time here at See range here .
The brief simple answer to your question is a resounding yes!
Why would they not be?
Well, let`s take a look at some of the likely problems with a timber cabin which would make the log cabin not waterproof and quite honestly not fit for purpose.The main thing to look at instantly is the roof structure, that`s where you would envision the main complication would commence (this is not always the case but that`s where we will commence today). The main complication with the roof structure would be to have the felt or roof shingles to not be installed correctly. This is quite easily done if this is something you have never done before and why it should always be undertaken by a professional especially if you are investing a lot of your hard earned money on a timber cabin.
• Make certain that the overlies are overlapping in the proper way. You should always commence felting at the bottom of the structure and felt upwards. By doing this you ensure that the felt overlies on top of the piece of felt that is further down the roof structure. This will ensure there is a natural run off of the water, if you commence felting at the top of the roof structure and you put the overlap from the bottom pieces over the top of the felt higher up when the rain works off it will work under the felt and consequently trigger a leakage. This is precisely the same when doing shingles, make certain you set up from bottom upwards.
• Make certain the overlies of the felt/shingles are quite generous. You don`t want them to be just barely overlapping because this could trigger rain to get between the felt sheets and this will trigger a leakage
• Make certain you use more than enough felt nails. Ideally you want to be spacing the felt nails around 6 inches apart from each other. Always do this on both sides of the felt and dependent on the quality of the felt you are using possibly put another row of nails in the middle,possibly two rows but again this depends on the quality of the felt. Failure to put enough felt nails in there could result in the felt blowing off during a bad storm which would then leave your structure exposed to water leaks.
• It is additionally vital that when you reach the overhang of the structure with the felt you tack the felt to side of the roof structure but DO NOT tuck the felt under the overhang of the roof structure as this limits the natural run off of the water. This can trigger early rotting of the structure and in some situations trigger the roof structure to leak around the top corners of the structure as water could build up.
• Make certain you use the correct size fixings. If the roof boards on your structure are let`s say 10mm, you don`t want felt nails of 16mm. Doing this would trigger the felt nails to come completely through the roof structure. This would not look cosmetically pleasing and would additionally be a real option of a leakage in the structure. They way felt is now designed,there should be a watertight seal around the nail but throughout the seasons with wear and tear this may fail resulting in a leakage.
• The most regularly ignored area on a timber cabin structure is the felt or shingles on the roof structure. This is normally because we can`t see it most of the time and it`s a lot more difficult to get up there and have a look,but this is precisely what you should do and I would highly recommend at least once a year or if you notice a leakage. Because log cabins are not built as high as the typical house and the felt and shingles aren`t quite as tough and sturdy as a normal house tile they require a little more attention. They are exposed to more elements on a daily basis because they are lower, this can result in a number of things from falling debris from trees, or another instance would be a kids`s toys getting thrown up there which would all trigger harm to the felt/shingles. Not to mention lots of bird droppings can rot the felt if it is in an area where natural rain can not pass through it to create a natural run off and cleaning system (for instance if your log cabin sits under a tree).
garden log cabins set up all of our log cabins, we do this because we know you are investing a lot of money into a timber cabin and you want it to be around for a long period of time. So the best way we can ensure this happens is to take care of the installation and make certain it is installed correctly. We`ve been out to repair log cabins in the past built by non-skilled people and if the structure is not put together correctly then number one it won`t be safe but additionally it could trigger a failure in the structure to be waterproof.
A prime instance of this would be that the timbers haven`t been constructed correctly on the walls. This would then trigger the log cabin to differ from the design as it was intended to be. At this point when the roof structure was installed there might be openings between the roof structure and the wall. Openings could additionally appear on the walls of the log cabins themselves and in some situations if the initial build of the log cabin was so bad you would have no choice but to take down the log cabin and reconstruct it.
This is why Timberdise Garden Buildings set up all of our log cabins so you don`t have this to worry about. As you can envision if there is a gap in the wall or a gap between the roof structure and the wall this would leave the cabin open and it would most definitely leak which is what we want to avoid at all costs.
I additionally want to bring attention to the floor surface a second. Having your log cabin installed on a proper ground base is a must. That could be a Timberdise ground base,cement base or a paved area. As long as they`re flat, level and solid you should be ok. Be mindful of where you put the cabin,don`t put it at any place that is at risk of flooding as just like the house that you live in. If the water level rises and there is no escape for it then the log cabin will flood,that is regardless of how thick and tight your timbers are.
Lastly let`s talk about sealants around the windows and doors. Make certain after you have treated your cabin you fit the relevant sealants around the doors and the windows. The log cabins don`t come with these fitted as standard, this is so you can treat the cabin first and then apply the sealants afterwards. By not fitting the doors and windows with sealants then there`s a chance rain could pass through the inside of the cabin, which again is easily fixed by applying sealants.
In addition, in some cases especially during the winter months, condensation can take place inside a cabin. This is typical due to the log cabins not having any insulation fitted, it is not a leakage and can be quite typical. We encourage at Timberdise to get a dehumidifier if you have power access in there and leave it working during the cooler months. This will help take dampness out of the air and further increase the lifespan of your cabin.
If you comply with all the above tips you should have a leakage free cabin for the duration of its lifespan which can supply endless enjoyment and relaxation. Bear in mind prevention is much better than the cure. Check out -
